Massimo Greco

Dam-break flows over mobile beds: Experiments and benchmark tests for numerical models

In this paper, the results of a benchmark test launched within the framework of the NSF–PIRE project “Modelling of Flood Hazards and Geomorphic Impacts of Levee Breach and Dam Failure” are presented. Experiments of two-dimensional dam-break flows over a sand bed were conducted at Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium. The water level evolution at eight gauging points was measured as well as the final bed topography. Intense scour occurred close to the failed dam, while significant deposition was observed further downstream. From these experiments, a benchmark was proposed to the scientific community, consisting of blind test simulations, that is, without any prior knowledge of the measurements. Twelve different teams of modellers from eight countries participated in the study. Here, the numerical models used in this test are briefly presented. The results are commented upon, in view of evaluating the modelling capabilities and identifying the challenges that may open pathways for further research.

A two-phase model for fast geomorphic shallow flows

The paper introduces a 2D shallow water model based on a two-phase formulation for the analysis of fast geomorphic transients occurring in the context of river morphodynamics. Mass and momentum conservation principles are separately imposed for both phases. The model naturally accounts for non-equilibrium solid transport, since neither instantaneous adaptation hypothesis nor any lag equation is employed to represent sediment dynamics. The hyperbolic character of the proposed model is shown to be preserved independently on the flow conditions. Results from numerical simulations of both 1D and 2D test-cases are compared with literature experimental data and with available numerical solutions.

1D numerical evaluation of dike erosion due to overtopping

Dike overtopping is an important issue in both scientific and practical aspects of sediment embankment erosion. This research is concerned with the validation of a one-dimensional numerical code applied to an unsteady two-phase flow over an initially trapezoidal-shaped sediment dike, including the transition from sub- to supercritical flows and the flow propagation over a steep slope. The approach is based on the shallow-water equations coupled with a sediment erosion code. The numerical results are compared with recent laboratory experiments, resulting in a reasonable prediction of the temporal free surface and bed evolution. The remaining model inaccuracies mainly originate from overflow initiation with extremely small flow depths, streamline curvature effects with the related underestimation of flow velocities close to the sediment surface, and the changing saturation in the dike body not accounted for in the model. Despite these deficiencies, the computational model will be helpful, particularly in flood risk assessment and management.

Computation of flow velocity in rough channels

Accurate estimate of flow-velocity profile is of crucial importance both for scientific purposes and for solving numerous engineering problems that include, among others, sediment transport, contaminant transport, flow resistance evaluation. This paper presents a new empirical equation to represent the vertical velocity profile. The proposed equation is essentially a modified form of the well-known logarithm law of the wall and contains three parameters having a clear physical meaning. The applicability of the equation and its accuracy assessment for different hydraulic conditions, including non-uniform conditions, is verified by using experimental data obtained by different sources. The values of the mean square errors determined by the best-fitting of the law to the selected experimental data, are compared with those obtained by applying other equations proposed in literature. The comparison highlights that the proposed law allows the reproduction of all the hydraulic conditions examined maintaining an acceptable value of the mean square error.

Dam-break waves over an erodible embankment: experiments and simulations

ABSTRACT The impact of a dam-break wave on an erodible embankment with a steep slope is studied in the paper using both experimental and numerical approaches. The laboratory experiments have been specifically designed and performed for a range of the storage water levels and the embankment elevations and slopes. The simulations were carried out using a recently-developed two-phase depth-integrated model, supplemented with a geofailure operator to account for the possible occurrence of geotechnical collapses. A comparison between numerical and experimental results indicates that the two-phase model reproduces the experimental free surface elevation well, with or without the geofailure operator. On the other hand, especially for high embankment slopes, this operator appears to be important for predicting the observed morphological evolution. The results also show that, due to the geotechnical collapses, water and sediment velocities may have opposite signs. While the models based on equal direction of the liquid and the solid motions cannot reproduce this effect, the proposed two-phase approach easily accounts for such a peculiarity of the investigated process.

Computation of sediment discharge in rivers: the contributions by Levi and Studenitcnikov revisited

ABSTRACT In the past century, a considerable amount of theoretical and experimental work in all areas of fluvial hydraulics was carried out in Russia. The outcomes of this massive work have been successfully applied in numerous engineering projects in the former Soviet Union. Unfortunately, because of the language barriers and even more due to the geopolitical situation that dominated the last century, the exchange of scientific knowledge between Russia and western countries was greatly impaired. This paper highlights some interesting contributions by the Russian scientists Levi and Studenitcnikov. In particular, Levi’s formula for the sediment discharge and Studenitcnikov’s formula for the critical velocity are discussed and revisited in light of the Shields approach, currently dominant in the western literature. An application example is given considering prediction of local scour along elliptical guide banks.